Low scores for Arkansas on commitment to public schools

The Network for Public Educationhas published a national survey grading states on public education as measured by their support for privatization efforts, to the detriment of conventional public schools. Arkansas scores poorly.

The group is fighting the “choice” movement promoted by, among others, the hugely wealthy Walton Family Foundation. It explains:

While most will not dispute the value of education, some challenge the value of public education. They contend that only through competition will public schools improve, and that options such as religious schools, private schools, and charter schools run by non-profit and for-profit corporations are systemically better than public schools run by locally elected school boards.

We disagree. Although the public school system is not perfect and has continual room for improvement, it is still the cornerstone of community empowerment and advancement in American society. The required inclusivity of the public school setting provides more opportunity for students to learn in culturally, racially, and socioeconomically integrated classrooms and schools, and that promotes social-emotional and civic benefits for students.